Africa News Live Updates: Footage from Uganda offers clues on inter-species virus transmission

New video footage from a national park in Uganda shows various predators feeding on and dispersing fruit bats, which are known carriers of infectious diseases, offering new insights into how viruses can leap between species, according to a report in The New York Times. The video captured a sequence of predatory animals consuming and scattering the bats, which are established natural reservoirs for several viruses. This observation provides visual evidence of a potential pathway for zoonotic spillover, where pathogens move from animal hosts to other species.

A man has been sentenced to jail by a court in Nigeria's Kwara State for the illegal possession of solid minerals, while three other individuals were convicted for internet-related fraud in separate cases, according to a report in Premium Times. The man, identified as Mr. Basit, was arrested on June 11, 2024, by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the Asa Local Government Area for transporting minerals without proper documentation. The convictions are part of a broader crackdown by Nigerian authorities on illegal mining and economic crimes.

Tanzania's Prime Minister will step down from his position in a surprise move, as per a report in BBC. In Tanzania's presidential system, the Prime Minister is appointed by the President and is subordinate to the head of state, making the departure a notable change within the government led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Nigeria's Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has approved a proposal to use 10% of the internally generated revenue (IGR) from the area's six councils to settle outstanding payments owed to striking primary school teachers, as per a report in Premium Times. The industrial action was initiated by the teachers who accused the council chairpersons of failing to implement the new national minimum wage and other previously settled agreements. This measure is intended to resolve the ongoing strike and address the teachers' financial grievances.

Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has received 12 new applications from associations seeking to be registered as political parties, Premium Times said in a report. The applications were reportedly submitted to the electoral body between June 23 and July 2, 2025. The receipt of applications is the initial step in a detailed vetting process and does not guarantee official registration.

Nigeria's Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has launched a verbal attack against a group of political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Senate President David Mark, and former minister Rotimi Amaechi, Premium Times says in a report. Wike dismissed their potential coalition, characterizing them as individuals who are "angry because they left power." He questioned their credibility and cautioned Nigerians against their political maneuvers, suggesting their motives are purely self-serving.

During the NOG Energy Week in Nigeria, industry leaders commended the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for its local content initiatives, according to a report in Premium Times. Panelists at the event highlighted that the NCDMB's contributions are helping to build a more resilient and competitive oil and gas sector in the country. The praise focused on the agency's drive to increase the use of local goods, services, and personnel within Nigeria's energy industry.

Nigerian football icon and legendary goalkeeper Peter Rufai has passed away at the age of 61 in Lagos following a prolonged illness, according to a report in Premium Times. His death on Thursday has led to an outpouring of tributes from across the country, led by prominent figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and footballer Ahmed Musa. Rufai was a celebrated member of Nigeria's Super Eagles, notably winning the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and representing the nation at two FIFA World Cups.

The head of Nigeria's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has been elected to lead the Network of National Human Rights Institutions in West Africa (NNHRI-WA), Premium Times says in a report. As the new president, he stated his focus will be on building the capacity of the member National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs). This initiative aims to help them meet the growing challenges associated with resourcing, governance, and the operational effectiveness of these human rights bodies throughout the region.

The second Morocco Gaming Expo is currently underway in Rabat, running from July 2 to July 6, 2025, according to a report in Africanews. The event aligns with the country's broader "Digital Morocco 2025" national strategy, which seeks to accelerate digital transformation and establish a knowledge-based economy. The expo serves as a platform to foster the gaming sector, address youth unemployment through entrepreneurship, and attract international investment. By hosting the event, Morocco aims to strengthen its position as a burgeoning regional technology hub and a gateway to Africa for digital industries.

Governor Dikko Radda of Nigeria's Katsina State has launched a N100 million initiative aimed at promoting climate-smart farming, according to a report in Premium Times. The program is a joint effort, with the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), an African Union development agency, providing N63.75 million in funding. The Katsina State Government is contributing the remaining N36.25 million. This initiative is designed to help farmers in the northern Nigerian state adapt to the effects of climate change and improve agricultural productivity.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that Nigeria's consolidated fiscal deficit is projected to rise to 4.7% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2025, as per a report in Premium Times. The projection was made in a report prepared by an IMF staff team for its executive board, attributing the increase to the impact of falling oil prices on the nation's finances.

Nigeria has attracted $16 billion in investment commitments for its oil and gas sector over the past two years, according to a report in Premium Times. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) said the success is a result of the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and recent presidential reforms. Gbenga Komolafe, the head of the NUPRC, stated that these measures have been significant in positioning the nation's upstream oil and gas sector for greater energy security and resilience.

Rwanda's Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Dr Jean-Damascène Bizimana, has officially launched the 15th edition of the 'Itorero Indangamirwa' civic education program, The New Times says in a report. During the launch event, Bizimana addressed the new cohort of youth participants, urging them to serve as role models in their communities. He emphasized the importance of embracing and upholding the national values promoted by the government-led initiative, which aims to foster unity and patriotism.

The oldest known DNA from ancient Egypt has been successfully sequenced by scientists, providing a rare genetic snapshot of the region's early population, as per a report in Deutsche Welle. The DNA, which is 4,500 years old, was recovered from a potter. This discovery offers new information and insights into the diverse ancestry of people who lived in ancient Egypt.

Cape Verde is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary of independence from Portugal on July 5, 2025, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. Since gaining its freedom in 1975, the nation is widely regarded as one of West Africa's most stable countries. The country's post-independence achievements include making significant progress in improving formerly low literacy rates and inadequate healthcare systems.

Cape Verde is celebrating 50 years of independence on July 5, marking five decades of progress that establish it as one of West Africa's most stable nations, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. Since 1975, the country has made significant strides in education and healthcare, reducing the illiteracy rate from 65% to about 3% and substantially improving medical infrastructure, leading to a life expectancy of around 74.7 years. Despite these achievements and development indicators scoring above the African average, challenges remain, including a 23.9% youth unemployment rate in 2023, ongoing migration, and about 2.3% of the population living in extreme poverty. The government has implemented social policies like the "Mais" fund, established in 2023 and financed by a tourism tax, to support vulnerable groups.

The US Supreme Court, in a 7-2 decision, has allowed the administration of President Donald Trump to restart its plan to deport a group of convicted criminals to South Sudan, The Hill says in a report. The ruling lifts a previous injunction from a lower court which had limited the administration's ability to deport migrants. The report notes that the individuals slated for deportation reportedly have no ties to the country.

On its 15th anniversary, UN Women has issued a warning that global progress toward gender equality is at risk and called for decisive action, according to a report in Africa News. The agency noted that recent gains are being threatened by several factors, including ongoing conflicts across the African continent that disproportionately affect women and girls. The warning also comes amid a wider context of a global backlash against women's rights and the lingering negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on women's economic and social well-being.

Tunisian tennis player Ons Jabeur retired from her opening match at Wimbledon after experiencing breathing difficulties, according to a report in Africa News. This incident is the latest setback for the athlete in a 2024 season that has already seen her contend with shoulder and leg injuries. Jabeur was a finalist at the U.S. Open in 2022.

A Kenyan whistleblower is reportedly facing a lawsuit and death threats after revealing alleged corruption involving a $2 billion airport infrastructure deal, according to a report in the Mail & Guardian. The individual's exposure of the deal has led to significant personal risk, highlighting the challenges and dangers faced by those who report on high-level malfeasance in the country. The situation draws attention to the ongoing issues of corruption in large public projects and the adequacy of legal protections for whistleblowers in Kenya.

A lawsuit has been filed in Malawi targeting large international conservation organizations over a deadly elephant translocation effort, according to a report in Mail & Guardian. The legal action is a response to deaths or injuries resulting from the conservation project, which involved moving elephants to a new habitat. The case highlights growing scrutiny of 'fortress conservation' models that can negatively impact local human populations and raises questions about the accountability of foreign-funded non-governmental organizations operating in the country.

The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development has commenced in Seville, Spain, bringing together approximately 60 heads of state and government along with 15,000 attendees, Africa News says in a report. This high-level event, which occurs only once a decade, is crucial for setting global policy on development finance. The conference aims to mobilize resources to accelerate progress on Sustainable Development Goals, with key topics for African nations including debt restructuring, climate finance, and reforms of international financial institutions.

Mali's armed forces have claimed the killing of 80 al Qaeda-linked militants, according to a report in Africa News. The military operation was a response to a series of simultaneous and coordinated attacks staged by militants on army posts located in the central and western parts of the West African nation.

Following a major heatwave in Europe, the United Nations has warned that the world must learn to live with such extreme weather events, Africa News says in a report. This statement is particularly significant for African nations, which are disproportionately affected by climate change impacts like heatwaves, droughts, and floods despite having low historical emissions. The UN's declaration highlights the urgent need for global support through climate finance and adaptation strategies to help African countries manage threats to food security, public health, and regional stability.

Sixteen families in the Nyagatare District of Rwanda received keys to new government-provided houses on July 1, according to a report in The New Times. The initiative is a social welfare program aimed at providing housing for vulnerable citizens. Isdore Rubayiza, a father of eight, was among the beneficiaries notified by the local Sector Social Affairs office to collect their new home as part of a project linked to the country's Liberation Day commemorations.

A new bird flu outbreak has been reported on poultry farms in South Africa, according to a report in Africa News. In response to the outbreak, authorities are implementing containment measures designed to prevent the further spread of the virus.

A military helicopter from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) crashed at the airport in Mogadishu, killing at least three people, according to a report in Africanews. The mission confirmed that three other passengers survived the incident and have been transported to a hospital for medical treatment.

A new analysis of ancient DNA has revealed a genetic link between the populations of early Egypt and Mesopotamia, according to a report in Africa News. The discovery provides scientific evidence supporting long-held theories about a connection between the two ancient civilizations, which were previously based on similarities in trade goods and pottery styles. Researchers suggest the Nile River likely served as a major route for the movement of people and ideas, facilitating this exchange.

During the ongoing N27 billion fraud trial of a former Nigerian governor, the defense counsel challenged a prosecution witness's credibility by directly asking if he wanted to see the defendant convicted, according to a report in Premium Times. The question was part of an intense cross-examination aimed at undermining the witness's impartiality and suggesting personal bias. This legal tactic sought to shift focus from the alleged fraud to the witness's motives and loyalty to the former governor.

US President Donald Trump has announced a surprise summit with five African nations, marking the first multilateral US-Africa summit since the start of his second term, according to a report in Africanews. The agenda for the meeting is set to focus on regional security, as well as trade and opportunities for economic cooperation.

A faction of Nigeria's Labour Party, led by Julius Abure, has given Peter Obi, the party's 2023 presidential candidate, a 48-hour ultimatum to resign, as per a report in Premium Times. The party faction accused Obi of holding secret meetings and lobbying its members to join a new political party he is allegedly forming. This development escalates the long-running internal leadership crisis within the Labour Party, which has been divided since the 2023 general elections, and formalizes the strained relationship between Obi and the Abure-led leadership amid widespread speculation about Obi's next political move.

Kenyan blogger Ndiangui Kinyagia, who disappeared on June 21, reappeared in a Kenyan court on Thursday, as per a report in Standard Media. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance and subsequent return remain unclear, contributing to public scrutiny of Kenya's Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). Kinyagia's case emerges amid a wider context of recent protests and arrests of activists in the country, which have raised concerns over freedom of expression and the conduct of security agencies.

Nigeria's electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) installed 187,194 meters in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, according to a report in Premium Times. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) reported that this figure represents a marginal increase of 0.41 percent compared to the 186,431 meters that were installed in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Senegal's Supreme Court has upheld a six-month suspended sentence for defamation against opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, rejecting his appeal, according to a report in Africanews. The conviction stems from a case where Sonko accused a government minister of embezzlement. Following the court's decision, Sonko affirmed that he does not consider the case to be closed. This final conviction could potentially render him ineligible to run in the upcoming presidential election under Senegalese electoral law.

Nigeria's electricity distribution companies (DisCos) collected N553.63 billion from consumers during the first quarter of 2025, according to a report in Premium Times. A report from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) indicated this figure represents a collection efficiency of 74.39%. This marks a decrease from the 77.41% collection efficiency recorded in the fourth quarter of 2024.

The Tasis alliance in Sudan, a coalition of armed groups and political parties allied with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitaries, announced the creation of a new governance council on Tuesday, July 1, as per a report in Africanews. This move establishes a parallel government structure challenging the country's existing authorities. The Tasis alliance, which also includes civil society organizations, was previously launched in February in Nairobi, Kenya.

A man in Lagos, Nigeria, has been remanded into custody by a court following allegations that he raped his stepdaughters, according to a report in Premium Times. The charges against the man are based on alleged contraventions of Sections 137 and 260 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State from 2015.

UK-based athlete Akinyosoye has emerged as Nigeria's highest-ranked fencer, according to a report in Premium Times. He previously represented England at cadet and junior levels before switching his allegiance to Nigeria. Akinyosoye has now overtaken Inkosi Brou to claim the top spot in the country's fencing rankings.

Nigerian artist Burna Boy has announced the tracklist for his new album, titled 'No Sign of Weakness', according to a report in Premium Times. The project is set to feature collaborations with a range of international artists, including Travis Scott, Mick Jagger, Stromae, and Shaboozey.

Nigerian financial institution Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) is planning a secondary listing on the London Stock Exchange, Premium Times says in a report. The move is intended to take the company's market presence beyond its current Global Depository Receipts (GDRs). GTCO hopes that a full open-market listing will facilitate greater trade volumes and enhance its global visibility.

The Ekiti State House of Assembly in Nigeria has confirmed Justice Oyewole Ogunmoye as the state's new Chief Judge, according to a report in Premium Times. This confirmation by the legislature followed a recommendation from the National Judicial Council (NJC), adhering to the constitutional process for judicial appointments in the country.

Nigeria's electricity distribution companies (DisCos) resolved fewer than half of the customer complaints filed against them during the first quarter of 2025, as per a report in Premium Times. Out of 4,169 complaints submitted to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the DisCos successfully addressed only 1,554. This indicates that more than 60% of the issues raised by electricity consumers during this period remained unresolved.

Two female tourists, one from the UK and another from New Zealand, have been killed by an elephant while on a walking safari in a national park in Zambia, The Guardian said in a report. According to Zambia's Eastern Province police commissioner, Robertson Mweemba, the two women were attacked by a female elephant that was with its calf.

A new report from the United Nations Group of Experts on the Democratic Republic of Congo has formally accused Rwanda of supporting rebel forces in the country's eastern region, according to a report in Africanews. Released on Wednesday, July 2, the document alleges Rwandan involvement with the established M23 rebel group and the newer Alliance for the Congo (AFC) coalition. The findings reignite diplomatic tensions between the DRC and Rwanda over the ongoing conflict.

Cameroon's longtime President Paul Biya, 92, is facing an election challenge from two of his former ministers who recently resigned from the government, according to a report in AP. Bello Bouba Maigari, the former tourism minister, quit this week, and Issa Tchiroma Bakary resigned as minister of employment and vocational training last week. Both men, previously considered close allies of the president, have announced their candidacies for the upcoming October election, signaling an internal challenge to Biya, who has been in power since 1982.

Tensions are reportedly rising within South Africa's Government of National Unity (GNU) following a new scandal that is testing the stability of the recently formed coalition, Africanews says in a report. The GNU, which includes the African National Congress (ANC), the Democratic Alliance (DA), and other parties, was established after the ANC lost its parliamentary majority in the May 2024 general election for the first time since 1994. This development is placing significant strain on the new governing arrangement, which brought together ideologically diverse political parties under President Cyril Ramaphosa.

European Union Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner is scheduled to visit Libya next week with representatives from Greece, Malta, and Italy to request tougher measures from Libyan authorities on controlling migrant sea crossings in the Mediterranean, according to a report in Africanews. The visit is in response to a recent increase in migrant arrivals in southern EU member states via the Central Mediterranean route.

The weather forecast for Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on Thursday, July 3, indicates partly sunny conditions with a high temperature of 29 degrees Celsius and a low of 24 degrees, AP says in a report. The forecast also includes a southwesterly wind at 18 KPH, humidity at 81 percent, and a 66 percent chance of precipitation.

New research on ancient DNA has uncovered a genetic link between the cultures of Egypt and Mesopotamia, according to a report in AP. Scientists sequenced the genome from the teeth of a well-preserved skeleton found in an Egyptian tomb site dating back approximately 4,500 to 4,900 years. The analysis showed that while four-fifths of the genome was linked to North Africa and the surrounding Egyptian region, one-fifth showed a clear connection to the area of Mesopotamia, located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers.

More than 40,000 patients in Rwanda received free medical treatment during the fifth East African Community (EAC) Armed Forces Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) week, according to a report in The New Times. The initiative involved military personnel from various EAC member states collaborating on humanitarian and community-building projects, which included providing medical services and engaging in construction activities across the country.

The Botswana Tennis Association (BTA) has noted the successful conclusion of the Botswana Open, which served as preparation for athletes ahead of the AUSC Region 5 Games in Namibia, according to a report in the Botswana Gazette. The event's outcome has also laid the groundwork for Botswana to host the Davis Cup Africa Group 5 tournament in Gaborone later this year.

Jihadist groups have reportedly launched attacks in western Mali, less than two kilometers from the nation's border with Senegal, according to a report in The Point. The incidents mark a significant security development in the region, bringing extremist violence to the immediate vicinity of the Senegalese frontier.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday called for a 50% tax hike on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks to address what it terms a global health crisis fueled by these products, according to a report in The New Times. The recommendation is part of a broader global effort to curb the rise of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and heart disease, which are increasingly prevalent across Africa. For many African governments, which are seeking to diversify revenue and have already committed to NCD prevention, such 'sin taxes' could represent a new source of funding for health initiatives, though the proposal is not legally binding.

Protesters in Mawego, Kenya, have set fire to a local police station during a demonstration over the death of a man identified as Ojwang, Standard Media says in a report. The mourners were reportedly carrying Ojwang's body during the protest. The Mawego police post was where Ojwang was temporarily detained before being transferred to Central Police Station in Nairobi, where he was subsequently killed while in police custody.

Liberia held a state funeral on Tuesday for former President William Tolbert, who was symbolically reburied 45 years after his murder during a 1980 coup, according to a report in Africanews. The ceremony, which was attended by current President Joseph Boakai, also honored 13 of Tolbert's cabinet members who were executed following the takeover. The state funeral for the 14 men serves as a formal recognition of the past event.

An estimated 110 million children are currently living in conflict situations across the Middle East and North Africa, where a child is displaced approximately every five seconds, according to a report in Africanews. The data, sourced from UNICEF, highlights the severe impact of ongoing conflicts on children in the region. Major drivers of this displacement crisis include the protracted conflicts in African nations such as Sudan and Libya, as well as in Syria and Yemen.

Ethiopia has reached an agreement with its Official Creditor Committee, signing a Memorandum of Understanding for a debt treatment plan under the G20 Common Framework, Capital Ethiopia said in a report. The deal, announced by the Ministry of Finance, formalizes a plan agreed upon in principle earlier this year. The agreement is expected to provide Ethiopia with over $3.5 billion in financial relief through its debt restructuring process.

Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo has become the first black African artist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, according to a report in BBC. The honor recognizes her career in the music industry, which has spanned more than four decades.

David Mabuza, South Africa's former deputy president, has died at the age of 64 in a Johannesburg hospital, Reuters said in a report. Mabuza served as the country's deputy president from 2018 until 2023. He was a key figure who helped President Cyril Ramaphosa secure leadership of the ruling African National Congress party in a tightly contested election in 2017.

Italy has announced its team for the upcoming rugby test against South Africa in Pretoria, featuring new player combinations and three debutants as coach Gonzalo Quesada looks to test his squad's depth, according to a report in Reuters. Giacomo Da Re has been selected at flyhalf for the match at Loftus Versfeld. The team, which is missing several regular players, will be captained by lock Niccolo Cannone after tour captain Giacomo Nicotera was sidelined with a rib injury.

Nigerian singer Tems has launched a new program called the Leading Vibe Initiative, designed to support women in the music industry, Africanews says in a report. The initiative will focus on providing mentorship opportunities and professional training to help emerging female artists develop their careers. This private endeavor aims to address gender disparities and foster new talent within Nigeria's creative sector.

An official ceremony was held in Kinshasa to mark the centenary of the birth of Patrice Lumumba, the first democratically elected prime minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Africanews said in a report. The commemoration took place at the mausoleum built to house his remains, which consist of a tooth that was formally returned to the DRC by Belgium in June 2022. Lumumba, a key figure in the country's independence movement, was born on July 2, 1925, and was assassinated in 1961.

A cohort of volleyball coaches in Botswana has completed a Level 2 Indoor Coaching Course, equipping them with refined technical tools, tactical systems, and mental performance strategies, according to a report in the Botswana Gazette. The training, facilitated by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), is aimed at elevating the local volleyball scene as the newly certified coaches return to their clubs and schools to implement the advanced techniques.

In a recent ward by-election in South Africa's Nelson Mandela Bay metropolitan municipality, the African National Congress (ANC) successfully retained its seat, according to a report in Daily Maverick. The newly formed uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party, associated with former President Jacob Zuma, also made significant gains by establishing a strong presence in the large township of Motherwell, an area historically considered a stronghold for the ANC.

Floyd Shivambu, the Deputy President of South Africa's Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has initiated the 'Mayibuye' consultation process aimed at fostering dialogue with former leaders from both the EFF and the uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) movement, according to a report in Daily Maverick. The initiative's name, 'Mayibuye,' is a historical term from the anti-apartheid struggle meaning 'Return Africa,' signifying a focus on land and economic liberation. The process seeks to engage with figures including veterans of the ANC's historical armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe, as well as potentially those associated with the new MK Party, following South Africa's recent general election.

Influential Gambian religious leader Imam Ratib Kah has delivered a public message concerning the observance of 'Tamxarit' (Ashura), a significant Islamic event, as per a report in The Point. The message was for the observance on the 10th day of Muharram, a day marked by prayer, reflection, and charity in the country. In Gambia, public statements from key religious figures like Imam Kah are considered significant for promoting social cohesion and national unity.

Botswana's Companies and Intellectual Property Authority (CIPA) has commenced 89 projects in the nation's creative industries, backed by over P66 million in funding, according to a report in the Botswana Gazette. The initiative, financed through CIPA's Levy on Technical Devices Fund, aims to bolster sectors including film, television, music, animation, and theatre as part of a move to strengthen the country's creative economy.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has announced that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Nile River is now complete, according to a report in Al Jazeera. The declaration comes despite the absence of a binding trilateral agreement with downstream nations Egypt and Sudan, which have consistently expressed concerns about the dam's impact on their water supplies. While Ahmed asserted the project would benefit all involved countries, years of negotiations over the dam's filling and operational rules have remained stalled, leaving the primary points of contention unresolved.

A joint investigation by German public broadcasters ARD and Deutsche Welle found that Somali influencers in Germany are using social media platforms to spread radical content, glorify war, and raise money for weapons to fuel conflict in Somalia, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. The influencers are reportedly encouraging hostilities in their home country from the safety of Germany, highlighting the challenge of countering online radicalization that crosses international borders.

A court in Zimbabwe has rejected a legal challenge by the opposition seeking to stop hearings into the Gukurahundi massacres of the 1980s, Africa News says in a report. The ruling allows the government-backed process, facilitated by traditional leaders and the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC), to continue. The opposition had challenged the hearings, arguing they lack the independence and judicial power to ensure accountability for the atrocities. The hearings are designed to address grievances through community-led reconciliation, including exhumations and issuing identity documents, rather than through criminal prosecutions for the mass killings that occurred between 1983 and 1987.

At a joint news conference in Cairo on Tuesday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and his Omani counterpart, Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi, urged Washington and Tehran to return to the negotiating table, according to a report in Africa News. The ministers also called for efforts to stabilize the current 'ceasefire,' which refers to the de-escalation of broader regional conflicts where US and Iranian interests are opposed.

Cameroon has appointed a new ambassador to Indonesia in a move aimed at boosting diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations, according to a report in Cameroon Tribune. The appointment aligns with Cameroon's broader foreign policy of diversifying its international partnerships beyond traditional allies and toward emerging economies in Asia. This development also corresponds with Indonesia's strategy to increase engagement with African nations as part of its focus on South-South cooperation, with potential collaboration expected in areas like commodity trade and infrastructure.

Mourners in Kenya have torched the Mawego police station in protest over the death of a man named Ojwang, according to a report in Standard Media Kenya. The protest occurred as mourners were marching with Ojwang's body. The torched police post was where Ojwang was initially detained before being transferred to Central Police Station in Nairobi, where he was reportedly killed while in custody.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has expressed appreciation for the pace of Cameroon's Presidential Reconstruction Plan for the country's conflict-affected Northwest and Southwest regions, according to a report in Cameroon Tribune. This plan, officially the Presidential Plan for the Reconstruction and Development (PPRD-NW/SW), was initiated by the government to address the devastation from the Anglophone Crisis that began in 2016-2017. The UNDP is a key partner in coordinating the plan, which aims to rebuild vital infrastructure, restore public services, and support the return of displaced populations.

Botswana's women's football team, the lowest-ranked side at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, is entering the tournament with confidence drawn from reaching the quarter-finals on their debut, according to a report in BBC. Player Keitumetse Dithebe stated that despite their underdog status, the team carries a strong sense of belief based on their successful performance in the previous edition of the continental championship.

A proposed $113 million investment in South Africa by Elon Musk has been stalled due to complications with the country's Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) law, Africa News reports. The B-BBEE Act is designed to address historical economic inequalities, but its requirements are now creating hurdles for the major foreign investment. The delay has drawn criticism from opposition parties, such as Build One South Africa, whose deputy leader Nobuntu Hlazo-Webster accused the government of potentially creating a double standard for powerful foreign investors compared to local businesses. The situation highlights the ongoing tension between South Africa's goals of attracting foreign capital and upholding its economic transformation policies.

An Mpox epidemic is straining health systems across more than a dozen African nations as they contend with a loss of international support, according to a report in the Financial Times. Countries are struggling to contain the outbreak, which is described as an increase in cases and geographical spread beyond historical norms for the endemic disease. The challenges are compounded by the loss of international funding, including US aid reductions, which has exacerbated pre-existing vulnerabilities in health systems that were already weakened by chronic underfunding and the redirection of resources during the COVID-19 pandemic.

An initiative is underway to connect the general public with the African Cinematheque based in Cameroon, according to a report in Cameroon Tribune. The project aims to promote and provide wider access to a collection of films from across the African continent. This effort is designed to preserve and showcase Africa's cinematic heritage for a broader audience, moving beyond a specialized or archival function to actively engage the public.

The football club Canon Sportif of Yaounde has advanced to the 16th finals of the 2025 Cup of Cameroon, Cameroon Tribune says in a report. The team's progression marks a significant step in the national football tournament.

A persistent lack of funding continues to impede the environmental restoration of mining sites in Cameroon, according to a report in Cameroon Tribune. The issue, which was the subject of discussions earlier this week, highlights the ongoing challenge of securing the necessary financial resources to rehabilitate land that has been environmentally damaged by mining operations. This funding gap means many sites are not properly restored, posing long-term environmental and health risks to local communities and underscoring systemic difficulties in enforcing environmental regulations within the sector.

Political parties in South Africa have reached a consensus on the need to introduce legislation governing the use of presidential pardons, according to a report in the Daily Sun. While there is broad agreement that a law is necessary to regulate this executive power, the parties differ on the specific framework and details of the proposed legislation. The issue is set to be debated in the newly constituted parliament, which was formed after the May 2024 general election.

Gambia's Ministry of Transport has initiated the legislative process to repeal the country's 77-year-old Motor Traffic Act, according to a report in The Point. The current law, which was enacted in 1948 during the British colonial administration, governs fundamental aspects of road use, including vehicle registration, driver licensing, and traffic rules. The move to repeal the outdated act is the first step in a process that will require drafting a new bill for parliamentary approval and presidential assent to modernize the nation's traffic laws.

The Gambian government is taking action to recover 23.9 million Gambian Dalasi that was fraudulently paid to 'ghost' staff, individuals who were on the public payroll but did not actually work, according to a report in The Point. The discovery of these payments highlights an ongoing issue with payroll fraud within the public sector. This financial loss is considered significant for the country's economy, and the government's recovery efforts are part of a broader push to address financial mismanagement and improve accountability.

As part of a structured labor migration program, a group of Gambian workers has been deployed to Spain where they will earn a monthly salary of €1000, as per a report in The Point. This initiative is the result of a bilateral agreement between the two countries, designed to fill labor shortages in Spain while providing significant economic opportunities for Gambian citizens, as the stipulated salary is substantially higher than the average wage in Gambia. The program is part of broader efforts to establish legal migration pathways between African and European nations.

A high-profile trial in The Gambia concerning a shooting by the Police Intervention Unit (PIU) has taken a significant turn with a soldier being called to testify, according to a report in The Point. This development is being described as a major shift in the legal proceedings, which are part of the nation's wider transitional justice efforts following the era of former leader Yahya Jammeh. The trial is considered a key test of The Gambia's commitment to accountability and security sector reform, as the PIU is a paramilitary police unit frequently deployed during public order situations.

A court in Senegal has dismissed a legal petition that was filed by prominent political figure Ousmane Sonko against Mame Mbaye Niang, a former minister, as per a report in The Point. Sonko, a key ally of current Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, had initiated the legal action against Niang, who served under the previous government. This ruling is a development in a long-running legal dispute between the two, which previously included a defamation case brought by Niang that resulted in a conviction against Sonko in 2023.

Guinea's transitional government has presented a draft for a new constitution to be submitted for a public referendum in September, Africa News said in a report. Key proposals in the draft text include the creation of a Senate and a significant extension of the presidential term from the current five years to seven years, which would be renewable once.

Nigeria's national women's football team has traveled to Morocco to compete for a record-extending 10th Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, according to a report in BBC. The team is bidding to win the continental championship, a trophy they last secured in 2018.

South Africa's uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party leadership is scheduled to discuss the conduct of two prominent members, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla and Nhlamulo Ndhlela, Mail & Guardian says in a report. Zuma-Sambudla, an elected Member of Parliament and daughter of the party's de facto leader Jacob Zuma, and Ndhlela, the party's spokesperson, have been accused of ignoring internal party structures and resisting instructions from leadership. The meeting addresses concerns over discipline within the new political party, which recently became the third-largest in the country.

South Africa's Military Operations Directorate has acknowledged that allegations of enforced disappearances have been raised against some of its personnel, as per a report in the Daily Sun. A Staff Colonel from the directorate stated that "stern action" will be taken if any military members are found to be involved in such acts, addressing the accusations directly.

Following the May 2024 general election which resulted in no single party winning a majority, a 'Consensus Commission' in South Africa is in discussions with political parties to finalize the 'July Charter,' the Daily Sun says in a report. This charter serves as the detailed framework for the Government of National Unity (GNU), which was formed after the African National Congress (ANC) lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since 1994. The finalization of the document is intended to solidify the operational structure, policy priorities, and power-sharing arrangements for the new coalition government.

Misleading viral content, including old footage and AI-generated images, is being used to spread disinformation about the ongoing 2025 protests in Kenya, as per a report in Deutsche Welle. A fact-check investigation found that some widely circulated videos and pictures are not from the current events but are repurposed from the past. The analysis also identified the use of artificially generated content, highlighting a sophisticated effort to cloud the public's understanding of the protests.

The Episcopal Church is terminating its refugee resettlement agreement with the U.S. government over objections to the perceived "preferential treatment" being given to white South Africans, according to a report in The Washington Post. The church's agency, Episcopal Migration Ministries, one of several non-profits that contracts with the government to resettle refugees, stated it will not continue its partnership because it believes the policy prioritizes one group based on race. The organization cited this as a conflict with its humanitarian principles and the policy direction of the Trump administration.

Middle-income families in South Africa are facing significant financial pressure from persistent inflation, which is driving up the cost of essential expenses like housing, education, and healthcare, according to a report in the Daily Sun. The economic strain is compounded by several domestic factors, including interest rate hikes by the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) intended to curb inflation, the ongoing electricity crisis (load shedding) which increases costs for both businesses and consumers, and a combination of high unemployment and stagnant wage growth that continues to erode household purchasing power.

The chief of UNAIDS has issued a warning that a significant funding shortfall is threatening to reverse global progress in the fight against AIDS, which particularly affects the African continent, Africanews said in a report. Without what was described as "bold action," the world could see an additional 6.6 million new HIV infections by the end of the decade. The warning highlights the critical need for sustained international and domestic investment to maintain access to treatment and prevention programs.

At least four people are dead and three others remain missing after an oil-drilling vessel capsized in Egypt's Gulf of Suez, according to a report in Deutsche Welle. The vessel reportedly overturned while it was being towed through the critical shipping route. Search and rescue operations are ongoing for the missing individuals.

New research indicates that administering antibiotics quickly could significantly improve survival rates for children in parts of Africa who are hospitalized in a coma, according to a report in The Guardian. Despite overall progress in child healthcare in sub-Saharan Africa, survival chances for children who become unconscious from severe illness have reportedly remained unchanged for nearly 50 years. Depending on the cause, mortality rates for these cases range from 17% to 45%, with many survivors left with disabilities. The new findings suggest that a quick dose of antibiotics combined with fast access to specialist care is key to improving these outcomes.

Kenyan activist Ndiang'ui Kinyagia, who was recently reported missing, is alive and safe, according to a report in Standard Media Kenya. His family lawyer, Wahome Thuku, stated that Kinyagia was not abducted but had gone into hiding for his own safety. Thuku confirmed that Kinyagia is healthy and is scheduled to be presented before a court on July 3.

Former Botswana President Ian Khama used the recent Sir Seretse Khama Day commemoration to publicly escalate his ongoing political feud with his successor, President Mokgweetsi Masisi, the Botswana Gazette said in a report. Khama delivered the public criticism during the state-organized event meant to honor Botswana's founding president, who was also Khama's father. The report notes that the former president has remained unapologetic following the public criticism.